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Director, CGIAR Research Program 3.5 ‘Grain Legumes’

ICRISAT is seeking an innovative, dynamic and creative Program Director who is a strong believer in partnerships to lead and manage the CGIAR Research Program on Grain Legumes.

The Consultative Group for International Agriculture Research (CGIAR) Research Program on Grain Legumes (CRP 3.5) will apply modern crop improvement, agronomic management, seed systems interventions, up-scaling and out-scaling technologies/innovations, and related high-priority value-chain interventions to maximize the benefits that grain legumes offer to smallholder farmers, especially women, in developing countries. The CRP 3.5 is a global partnership among the CGIAR Centers ICRISAT (Lead Center), CIAT, ICARDA, and IITA plus an array of principal partners including EMBRAPA, Brazil; EIAR, Ethiopia; GDAR, Turkey; ICAR, India; the Dry Grain Pulses CRSP, USA; and the CGIAR’s Generation Challenge Program. See details at www.icrisat.org/icrisat-crp.htm.

The Position
The CRP Program Director will report to the Director General, ICRISAT/Chair of the CRP 3.5 Steering Committee, and will be based at ICRISAT’s Headquarters in Patancheru, near Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. The position is for an initial three-year period with the opportunity for renewal based on performance and availability of funding.

Duties and Responsibilities
  • Develop a clear and shared vision for CRP 3.5 among all partners and stakeholders and communicate this vision to all stakeholders.
  • Provide intellectual leadership to, and coordinate implementation of, the CRP.
  • Develop strong partnerships among participating centers, partners and other stakeholders.
  • Represent the CRP in international for a to ensure that the Grain Legumes program is highly visible and strongly supported by investors and other stakeholders.
  • Guide fundraising efforts for the Grain Legumes CRP together with the Centers and other partners.
  • Ensure that the CRP has well developed and articulated gender and capacity strengthening strategies, defined work plans, clear deliverables, and that the CRP meets its programmatic and financial targets.

The Person

  • Demonstrated leadership qualities and track record in leading multicultural and multi-disciplinary teams and building partnerships for collaborative and cross-cutting research.
  • At least 10 years of relevant experience, including research management experience, in an international, multi-disciplinary, and multi-cultural environment.
  • PhD degree in a relevant discipline with a broad perspective on agriculture in the developing world and across the research for development agenda, particularly involving grain legumes.
  • Proven fund-raising record.
  • Demonstrated commitment to gender equity and diversity.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Employment Conditions
Employment contract will be for an initial three-year term. Salary will be internationally competitive, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience. ICRISAT provides additional benefits, including employer-paid medical, life and disability insurance and retirement benefits. Allowances toward hardship, relocation, housing, home leave travel, dependent children’s education and annual leave are also provided. ICRISAT provides a collegial, and supportive working environment, which allows space for personal and professional growth.

How to apply

Applicants should apply on or before 31 August 2012, by email, sending a letter of motivation, a full Curriculum Vitae, and the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable of the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to: bici@sympatico.ca . The reference name of the position (Director, CRP-Grain Legumes) should be clearly marked on the subject line of the email message. All applications will be acknowledged, however only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Learn more about CGIAR and ICRISAT by accessing web site at www.cgiar.org and www.icrisat.org

ICRISAT is an equal opportunity employer, and is especially interested in increasing the participation of women on its staff. ICRISAT has a flexible approach to international appointments and welcomes dual-career couples.